Motu Trails loop, Opotiki The Motu Trails are three very different rides that can be enjoyed individually or ridden sequentially and clockwise to form an epic 90km loop back to Opotiki. 1. The Dunes Trail Opotiki to Waiaua, 10km, Grade 1-2 For absolute beginners, this section of coastline hosts a dune and beach trail. It begins by crossing a massive swingbridge that spans the Otara River before heading into the sand dunes on a ribbon of gravel through a healthy mix of coastal plant species. At Tirohanga, cross a small estuary where spectacular pohutukawa trees grow wildly on adjacent sea cliffs. After a sandy boardwalk section, the trail passes a very Kiwi bach settlement relaxing beside the sea. The Dune Trail eventually ends when it joins SH35. 2. Motu Road Trail Waiaua to Toatoa, 24km, Grade 2-3 From the end of the Dune Trail, take SH35 east and then turn right onto Jackson Road. This heads south for 500m, crossing the Waiaua River and onto Motu Road. Continue south past the Waiaua church and marae, around the base of Makeo hill and up through the last few remaining farm settlements. There, the Eastland jungle moves into remote mode. The Motu Road is a substantial but steady climb on a single lane gravel track through some spectacular and rugged country. It tops out at 500m, below Te Weraakauanga and overlooks the valley floor to Toatoa. Toatoa to Pakihi Saddle, 12km, Grade 2-3 Continuing south on Motu Road, cross Papamoa Stream and climb into the Toatoa Scenic Reserve. The road ascends through a tunnel of bush to a 600m highpoint before descending into the even more remote farm settlement of Whitikau, surrounded by rolling hills and regenerating bush. At the road junction, continue uphill on Motu Road for one more kilometre to the start of the infamous Pakihi Track. 3. Pakihi Track Pakihi Track to Pakihi Road end, 20km, Grade 3 The Pakihi Track is one way only – downhill. It’s a gradual descent that follows the contours in and out of every stream gully with a predominantly south-facing aspect all the way to Pakihi Hut, which sits high above the Pakihi River. From the hut, follow the true left of Pakihi Stream along the famous balcony section. This winds its way high above the water with steep drops and commanding views along tight gorges between Meremere Hill Scenic Reserve and Urutawa Conservation Area. Be careful here as slips and rock fall can arrive unannounced. The valley eventually opens out and the road end arrives at the confluence of Orukutia and Pakihi streams. There is a good picnic area with toilets here. Pakihi Road end to Opotiki, 23km, Grade 1-2 A gravel road winds its way beside the Otara River and a number of farm settlements. At Otara, a sealed road heads back to Opotiki. At the Factory Road junction on the outskirts of town, go straight ahead on Te Rere Marae Road and hook onto the river trail that eventually delivers you back at your starting point. Wild file Access Tthe trail is well marked from the sports fields and reserve at the north end of Opotiki. Grade 1-3 Time 8-12hr (stay at Pakihi Hut to make it a more leisurely overnighter) Accommodation Opotiki boasts numerous accommodation options and a shuttle service. The six-bunk Pakihi Hut is $5/night and turns the ride into an overnighter Map BE41, BF41

© Wilderness Magazine, www.wildernessmag.co.nz Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to map this route correctly, Wilderness does not accept responsibility for any errors. Users should plan their routes and gather as much

information as possible before departing. The GPX file associated with this route has been drawn using Memory-Map software, version 6. Use descretion when following the route, especially when no track is marked on the map. The GPX file in these cases are a ‘best guess’ of the route only. Users should use a combination of GPS, visual observations, maps

and compass to find the best possible route. Memory Map shows purple tracks and hut icons as verified routes and huts. Red or blue routes are those drawn by Wilderness.

Motu Trails. Map 1 and 5

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Motu Trails. Map 2

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Motu Trails. Map 3

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Motu Trails. Map 4

© Wilderness Magazine, www.wildernessmag.co.nz